Trafford joint venture applies to kickstart GMP HQ redevelopment

The first phase of work to transform Greater Manchester Police’s former HQ in Stretford into a new mixed-use community has moved one step closer.

A planning application has been submitted by the joint venture between FEC, Trafford Council, and GMCA to demolish the old HQ, which sits at the center of the 9.5-acre site and has been vacant for more than a decade. The demolition is an important first step in the project in order to unlock the land for meaningful regeneration.

A full master plan for the scheme, which will be subject to public consultation, is expected to be unveiled in Autumn 2025.

The scheme aims to provide 25 percent affordable housing, in line with the Council and the GMCA’s joint commitment to deliver more good-quality affordable, low-carbon homes, including through the regeneration of brownfield land.

The site is also home to the Victorian-era Ellis Llwyd Jones Hall, which will be protected during the demolition phase – expected to last between four to six months – and be restored as part of the development.

It forms part of Trafford Council’s newly adopted Civic Quarter Area Action Plan for Stretford. In addition to new housing, the site aims to provide a hotel, leisure uses, new shops, offices, and community facilities, all in a sustainable location with excellent public transport links to Manchester City Centre and Stretford Town Centre.

Whilst the full master plan is being developed and the site is prepared for phased delivery, the HQ’s former car park will be brought back into temporary use for matchdays and events by landowner GMCA. A planning application for a car park providing space for c.500 vehicles has been submitted alongside the demolition application.

Ono Odudu, Project Director at FEC Manchester, said: “After more than a decade of underutilization, it’s pleasing to see progress to bring the site back into the community with new homes and amenities. It’s an exciting time for Trafford, with the potential of the area even gathering worldwide attention. But it’s essential that what’s delivered has the community at the very heart of it. Together with Trafford Council, GMCA, and local stakeholders, we’ll use our significant regeneration expertise to shape a neighborhood that provides for the needs of the people living here for years to come.”

Cllr Liz Patel, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration, said: “The application to demolish the building and create a temporary car park is a huge step forward ahead of the master plan for the site being revealed. The scheme is at a very early stage, but we are committed to providing more much-needed housing in Trafford.”

Paul Dennett, Greater Manchester lead for housing at GMCA and Mayor of Salford, said: “Our city-region is growing and has ambitious plans for the future. We want people to choose to live and work here – either because they’re from Greater Manchester and see their future here, or because they feel that this is a place they can thrive and have a good life. We’re proud to support this regeneration in Trafford, and by committing 25% of the homes developed to affordable housing, we are moving forward on our commitment to create more good quality, low-carbon homes which are fit for the future.”